AUSTRALIA | WA is set to be one of the strongest areas of growth for the Australian hotel market after promising financial results.
The Australian Hotels Association (WA) has welcomed powerful new tourism results from the Commonwealth Government’s Tourism Research Australia, including the latest International Visitor Survey and Domestic Tourism Statistics for the year ending June 2025, which show Western Australia surging on the domestic and international stage.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said the latest results confirm WA is converting global demand into real economic gains for local businesses, jobs and communities.
“Western Australia is back in a big way. International visitors are coming in larger numbers, staying longer and spending significantly more across our state,” Woods said.
These results are supported by AHA(WA) commissioned research undertaken by CoStar, which shows Perth had the highest national average occupancy across the same period. Perth maintained high occupancy throughout the year, ranging from 74 percent to 86 percent, with particularly strong months in September (85.3 percent), October (84.5 percent), and November (85.9 percent).
“This is translating into stronger trading for hotels, hospitality venues and tourism operators from Perth to the regions.”
International tourism surges to new highs in year ending June 2025
- International trips to WA: 941,000, up 14.9 percent year on year
- International nights: 35.8 million, up 15.0 percent
- International spend in WA: AUD 3.46 billion, up 43.6 percent
“Spend is growing three times faster than volume, which tells us the quality of WA’s offer is resonating. Visitors are choosing premium experiences, great food and beverage, and they’re willing to invest more in their time here,” Woods said.
Perth leads national rankings
- Perth now ranks third nationally by international nights, coming in just behind Sydney and Melbourne
- Perth international trips: 890,700; nights: 30.4 million; spend: AUD 3.04 billion
“Perth is the engine of WA’s international performance. Our hotels are delivering world-class service, and the city’s dining, events and cultural scene is clearly hitting the mark,” Woods said.
The benefits are flowing through to all corners of the state with regional WA international trips up 12.5 percent and spend increasing by 10.5 percent.
“Regional operators are seeing more international visitors and higher spend. With targeted events, packaging and air connectivity, we can lift length of stay and ensure more communities share in the upside.”
WA overnight domestic trips increased by 5.1 percent and nights up 4.0 percent year on year in the June quarter, however, overnight spend fell 14.4 percent year on year, pointing to shorter stays or lower per-trip outlays.
“Domestic demand is healthy, but the mix has shifted. Our task is to lift yield through compelling packages, premium experiences and events that encourage longer stays and higher spend, particularly from interstate markets,” he added.
“WA’s tourism momentum is unmistakable. With continued investment in aviation capacity, major events, marketing and workforce, we can sustain this growth and deliver even greater benefits for local jobs and small businesses.”
“The message to the world is clear: Western Australia is open, confident and offering exceptional value. And to Australians planning their next trip, make it WA, stay a little longer and discover more.”
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